There are few ska-punk bands with a sense of social commentary, lyrical genius, and self awareness as Less Than Jake. It's easy to make a ska band and do the stereotypical "Pick it up pick it up pick it up!" Lyrics associated with the genre, so why mold themselves to what everyone else is doing? Here comes 1996's ska-punk classic 'Losing Streak', filled to the brim with catchy horns, fast punk, and lyrics that just about anyone can relate to.Less Than Jake isn't exactly for the kids hitting bongs and wanting something to zone out to, but to the people who've felt outcasted, awkward, been screwed over, struggling in life, or even just enjoying the life they have, finding security in mutual insecurities. It isn't about giving up, it's about going on and getting stronger. It's bits of drummer Vinnie Fiorello's life being shown through catchy melodies.
It still sounds slightly garage-like, but they've gotten much better sound quality wise, and song writing. Over this album are catchy enough melodies for the guy who sings alone in the shower, or the guy who gets drunk with his friends and they all shout through a song like it's some triumphant anthem of life.Less Than Jake have never exactly completely broken out of the box of what ska can be, but that's okay, you don't need to be extremely creative to make an innovative album like Losing Streak. From beginning to end is a non-stop barrage of ska-punk that's not too aggressive, but not generic at all. Guitarist Chris Demakes sings most of the songs on this album, with bassist Roger Manganelli jumping in on a few, but Roger hadn't really found his singing voice yet, but it doesn't really stop you from enjoying his parts at all.
"I think.. I think I know it all!" Chris sings on opener 'Automatic', a song about a man who believes he knows everything there is to know, but then begins to question himself, leading into the rest of the album. Throughout the album, we experience tales of insecurity, deep social commentary, and the many questions that life throws our way.
Who can really say what Less Than Jake's best release is? The world may never know, but here's an album to kick open your ear drums as you learn the words to every song and sing along in your room at a high volume, knowing that while you may not be in the best position in your life, there's people who feel just as different and aware as you do.
8/10
Recommended tracks: Automatic, Johnny Quest Thinks We're Sellouts, Rock-n-Roll Pizzeria
